The horror of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on America is something no one wants to relive. But itís something Health Science Center alumnus Maj. Gen. Harold Timboe, U.S.A. (Ret.), M.D., M.P.H., thinks about often. As associate vice president for administration and director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Biomedical Research at the Health Science Center, Dr. Timboe oversees homeland security-related disaster training, education and other initiatives at the university.

"Making sure weíre ready if another terror attack should occur is something Iím involved with every day," he said.

Dr. Timboe was commander of the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., when the 9/11 attacks occurred. Under his leadership, the nearly 200 people injured at the Pentagon were attended to, triaged and transported to area hospitals within about an hour after American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the west side of the building. Thatís an excellent response time, according to medical experts.

This past March, Dr. Timboe was one of only 30 physicians who traveled to Baghdad to participate in live discussions with several hundred Iraqi physicians about rebuilding the Iraqi health care system and reforming the Iraqi Society of Physicians.

Dr. Timboe has seen firsthand the terror of catastrophe, the triumph of disaster preparedness and has witnessed the hope of rebuilding nations under
attack. His knowledge and experience have helped him lead successful efforts
to prepare San Antonio and South Texas for possible catastrophe.

Under Dr. Timboeís leadership, the university:

Established the Regional Medical Operation Center (RMOC), which serves as the communication and "nerve center" during major city events and terrorist-related disasters

Activated the first Medical Reserve Corps/State Guard unit in the nation, the Texas Medical Rangers

Is participating in a two-year, $3.6 million Statewide Bioterrorism Continuing Education Program

Participates in more than two dozen preparedness drills, demonstrations and educational forums each year

Is a founding member of the Department of Defense Northern Command Homeland Security/Defense Education Consortium